Tinubu mourns Eagle Online publisher Dotun Oladipo

Tinubu mourns Eagle Online publisher Dotun Oladipo

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the death of veteran journalist and The Eagle Online publisher, Dotun Oladipo, describing his passing as a painful loss to the Nigerian media industry and the country.

Oladipo, a former PUNCH Newspapers political editor, died on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the age of 56.

The President’s condolence message was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu commended Oladipo’s contributions to political journalism and digital media, noting his years of reporting and efforts to provide Nigerians with credible information through both traditional and online platforms.

The President said Oladipo’s career demonstrated the important role of the media in strengthening democracy by keeping citizens informed, holding public officials accountable and creating platforms for public discussion.

“Dotun Oladipo’s death at the age of 56 is a painful loss to the Nigerian media community and to our nation. He was a committed journalist who devoted significant years of his life to informing the public and contributing to the development of our democracy,” Tinubu said.

The President also acknowledged Oladipo’s contribution to the development of online journalism in Nigeria through The Eagle Online, which he founded after years of experience in mainstream journalism.

Oladipo built a career across several major Nigerian newspapers, including Nigerian Tribune, Nigerian Compass, The Sun and PUNCH Newspapers. At PUNCH, he served as a political editor and became known for his extensive coverage of Nigerian politics and public affairs.

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He later ventured into digital publishing and became the publisher of The Eagle Online, using his experience in traditional journalism to establish a presence in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding online news sector.

Beyond his publishing career, Oladipo played an important role in professional media organisations. He served as president of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) from 2017 to 2021, during a period when online journalism was becoming increasingly influential in Nigeria’s media landscape.

His colleagues and members of the wider media community have continued to pay tribute to the late journalist, remembering him for his contributions to journalism, digital publishing and professional media development.

The President extended his condolences to Oladipo’s family, colleagues, friends and members of GOCOP, saying his contributions to Nigerian journalism would not be forgotten.

“His contributions to political journalism and the digital media space will not be forgotten. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues in GOCOP, and friends. I pray that Almighty God will grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” Tinubu said.

Oladipo’s death has also prompted tributes from media organisations, journalists and public officials who described his passing as a significant loss to the Nigerian journalism community.

His death at 56 marks the loss of a journalist who spent decades reporting on national affairs and contributing to the transition from traditional newspaper journalism to Nigeria’s increasingly digital media environment.

Tinubu mourns Eagle Online publisher Dotun Oladipo